One of the most common questions is: what gauge bezel wire should I purchase? Here are some tips for ordering BEZEL WIRE from @riogrande. It typically comes in gauges 24 (.51mm) - 30 (.25mm) and in various heights. First, let’s focus on gauge. If you are newer to bezel setting, consider 28-30g because it’s easier to push over, especially if you’re doing it all by hand using a bezel rocker tool and a burnisher. If you’re hammer setting, either with a hammer handpiece or manually, you can use a thicker gauge bezel wire. Next, consider the stone you plan to set and look up the stone’s hardness (MOH scale). If the stone is delicate you should set by hand (as opposed to hammer) and therefore can use a thinner gauge (28-30g). Aesthetics is also another consideration; I just enjoy thicker bezels! They are more forgiving and can take more sanding and polishing with less risk of damaging the bezel by over working it! Concerning bezel height, take the shape and height of your cabochon into consideration. Order a few heights of bezel wire so you have options, but if it’s too tall you can always trim it down or sand it. If you like to use a variety of cabochons in your work you’ll find a variety of bezel wire helpful. I'll have a post later this month dedicated to techniques for figuring out and adjusting bezel height so stay tuned! There is also fine silver or sterling wire. Fine is brighter and more resistant to tarnish, sterling is more durable. I typically use sterling for that reason. There are also tons of gallery wire options available at @riogrande. Gallery wire should be annealed (carefully) prior to forming! After it’s shaped and when you are ready to solder, you must be careful (they love to melt) heat from below using a trivet, tripod or bricks. Once you have soldered gallery wire and it’s time to set, take extra care so you don’t crack or break it. When you initially push down at four sides only bring it down about 50% and then push the rest in as uniformly as you can! What type of bezel wire do you prefer? Let us know!
@riogrande is offering our community 50% CTO cutting fees with code MTLSMITH3 This applies to all metal.
#sponsored #riogrande #bezelwire
